Germany’s Foreign Ministry has urged Syria to avoid escalating violence after over 200 deaths in recent fighting between government forces and pro-Assad gunmen. The German officials emphasized the need for peaceful resolutions, political dialogue, and transitional justice. In the wake of the violence, interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has called for the disarmament of pro-Assad factions, underscoring ongoing tensions in the region after years of civil conflict.
Germany’s Foreign Ministry has urged all involved parties in Syria to prevent a further “spiral of violence” following a recent surge in conflict that resulted in over 200 fatalities within just two days. The fighting has primarily occurred between Syrian government forces and gunmen aligned with former president Bashar al-Assad, particularly affecting coastal villages historically supportive of Assad. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported extensive casualties, with more than 200 deaths recorded in recent conflicts.
The violence escalated due to retaliatory attacks against government security forces along Syria’s western coast, which provoked significant responses from fighters backing the new authorities. The German Foreign Ministry expressed their distress regarding the casualties and emphasized the need for peaceful solutions and national reconciliation, highlighting the importance of inclusive political dialogue and transitional justice to mend the social fabric of Syria.
During a visit to Damascus in January, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock provided conditional support for Syria, contingent upon the government’s commitment to minority protection. In the wake of the latest confrontations, the Syrian Defense Ministry announced strides in regaining control over areas impacted by violence, while also acknowledging that previous attacks were coordinated by figures associated with the former regime.
Furthermore, interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa called on pro-Assad fighters to surrender and emphasized the necessity of state-monopolized weaponry, warning against unregulated arms. The recent conflicts in western Syria represent the most severe violence recorded since the fall of Assad’s government to insurgents in December, and the new administration insists on efforts to unify the nation after years of devastating civil war that has claimed numerous lives and displaced millions.
The call from Germany for Syria to avoid further violence underscores the urgent need for a peaceful solution amidst escalating conflicts resulting in significant casualties. The situation reflects ongoing tensions between various military factions following Assad’s regime. Key figures in the new government advocate for disarmament and unity in a country deeply scarred by a protracted civil war that has led to immense loss and displacement.
Original Source: www.dw.com
